Welcome to The Weekly Musing. I am a "retired" Baptist preacher who has a passion for communicating the Scriptures in a practical way, especially through the written word. I subscribe to the historical/grammatical approach to Biblical interpretation, and accept the complete sovereignty of God in all things in heaven and on earth. I pray that you will be edified by these brief musings on God's Word. Soli Deo Gloria, Jerry Owens, Jr.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

This week I would like to offer one final reason why Christians should not participate in Halloween followed by some concluding thoughts.

Christians should not take part in Halloween is because it is not consistent with a biblical lifestyle. Attending a bonfire with friends and family is certainly not wrong in and of itself. Neither is enjoying fresh fruits and nuts in the Fall. God created fire for many purposes and gave man stewardship of its awesome power. Fruits and nuts are His provision for us to enjoy, and we should never allow Satan to rob us of God’s blessings. But we must use discernment and wisdom in these matters as they relate to Halloween. For example, most Christians would never wear a t-shirt sporting the logo of a topless dance club for fear of sending a message that they support that lifestyle. Still others would not eat dinner at the buffet of a gambling casino or purchase a newspaper at an adult bookstore lest they be noticed by others and identified as supporters of those activities. So why do so many otherwise discerning Christians insist on participating in the rituals of Halloween, even though they are obviously contrary to biblical teachings?

Halloween is ingrained in our modern culture. It ranks second only to Christmas in retail sales and its trappings have invaded almost every business, classroom, and retail establishment. It simply cannot be avoided. But the Christian must resist its influence at all costs.

Perhaps you are still not convinced. After all, you are not a Satanist; you’ve never sacrificed a cat or kidnapped a child. “But can any Christian give any Scriptural—or even logical—reason for participation in, or approval of, that which is unmistakably associated with paganism, devil worship, and witchcraft?” There can be only one answer to this question. No! The Bible tells us that we are to be separate from darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14). Regardless of its origin, and notwithstanding one’s intentions for participating in the customs of Halloween, the actuality that this particular holiday is of this world is not debatable. The facts are plain. Do not be wiled by the devil into thinking it is only innocent fun. Honor God and please Him by standing firm on the solid foundation of His Word.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

In continuation of last week’s Musing, here are three more reasons why Christian’s should not participate in Halloween.

Reason #2:Literally every aspect of this holiday, including the so-called “innocent” traditions in which many allow their children to participate, has its origin in some activity prohibited by God’s Word.Space does not permit me to explain the origins of trick-or-treating, costumes, Jack-o-lanterns, bonfires and bobbing for apples.But even the seemingly innocent tradition of having plenty of fruits and nuts around during this time of year can be traced to activities explicitly forbidden by Scripture such as necromancy (communicating with the dead), witchcraft, sorcery, and divination.

Reason #3:Every custom, symbol, and practice related to Halloween is grounded in fear.You might ask, “So what is the problem with a little innocent fun?After all, it is fun to be frightened.”The problem is that our God is not a God of fear.1 John 4:8, 18 says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love…for God is love.”Fear is not of God.In fact, fear is opposite of everything God stands for.

Reason #4:Halloween is closely related to the occult.The fact that occult activity increases to a deafening crescendo on Halloween cannot be denied.It is a holy holiday for witches, Satanists, and others involved in occult practices, and its importance to these people is no longer kept secret.Newspapers have reported on specific occult activities during this season, and a self proclaimed witch recently stated on a national television broadcast that Christians and others who do not understand the true significance of Halloween should leave well enough alone and stop interfering with their holiday.

I can personally attest to the fact of satanic and occult activity on Halloween.The recollection of a terrified little girl’s screams as she was dragged into the moving vehicle of a local satanic church will never be erased.The blood splattered walls of abandoned buildings used for cult rituals, carcasses of animals discarded near smoldering ashes of bonfires abandoned in the woods, and the horrifying testimony of a young girl who was locked inside a coffin and forced to lie next to a corpse as part of a Halloween related ceremony will always haunt my memories.Like it or not, animal and human sacrifice does occur on Halloween.For the occultist, it is a most important holiday; the high holiest day of the year and a time of blood and sex rituals.Halloween is very much a part of the occult world.

Next week I will present one more reason and some final thoughts.In the meantime, if you are interested in reading a more in-depth treatment of this subject, email me at jowensjr@hotmail.com or theweeklymusing@gmail.com and I’ll email you a copy of my booklet, “Halloween:Satan’s Tricks, Not Treats.” Or if you would prefer a paper version, simply include your address in the email.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

I would like to apologize for missing two weeks of The Weekly Musing.A new part time job and a brief stint in the hospital are to blame.But I’m back, and ready to move forward.I usually avoid issue oriented musings, but the time of year is upon us that causes pontifications over the Halloween craze.

When I was a kid Halloween was my favorite holiday.Each year my friends and I spent hours mapping out every haunted house within a five county area and thinking of new ways to frighten neighborhood kids, our girlfriends, each other, and anyone else daring to get in our way on Halloween night.It was wonderful fun.But as I became a student of the Scriptures I realized that, as a Christian, I could no longer participate in the traditions of Halloween.Even though the Bible does not say, “Thou shalt not celebrate Halloween,” biblical teachings are clear with regard to issues related to this holiday.

In the weeks remaining until October 31st I will set forth a number of reasons why Christians should not take part in Halloween.It is my prayer that you will read these Musings with an open mind and an open Bible.Pray, ask God to reveal the truth to you, and be obedient to that truth.

Reason #1: Halloween is not of Christian origin.Perhaps the greatest misconception about Halloween is that it originated as a Christian holiday.This is simply not true.Historians generally agree that Halloween took the place of a special day celebrated by ancient Druids and “was the night for the universal walking about of all sorts of spirits, fairies, and ghosts, all of whom had liberty on that night.”The “Christianization” of Halloween did not begin until about 800 years after Christ.In 835 A.D. Pope Gregory IV moved the Catholic feast of All Saint’s Day from May to November 1st, the day following the above described Celtic celebration.The reasons offered by historians for the move are varied, but the two holidays were quickly identified with one another and their rituals merged.

Admittedly, the traditions of many of our favorite holidays originated with ancient paganism.For example, the Christmas tree and kissing under the mistletoe are linked to pagan customs, and there are ancient fertility rituals related to the rites of Easter.Therefore, it is obvious that things have made their way into our celebrations that are not appropriate and should be avoided.However, these holidays were originally established for the purpose of honoring and glorifying God.This cannot be said of Halloween.

Next week I will present other reasons for you to consider.In the meantime, if you are interested in reading a more in-depth treatment of this subject send an email to theweeklymusing@gmail.com asking for a free copy of my booklet, “Halloween:Satan’s Tricks, Not Treats.”Include your name and address so I’ll know where to send it, or I can send an electronic version.